Car-free Sundays on Roxas Boulevard?

MANILA, Philippines — A portion of Roxas Boulevard has been proposed to be off limits to vehicular traffic every Sunday to allow for outdoor exercise and bonding time for residents from Manila and other areas.

Manila City Councilor Salvador Philip Lacuna filed Draft Ordinance 8724 or the “MOVE (MOtor VEhicle Free) Manila Ordinance” proposing the closure of both northbound and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos Avenue to Quirino Avenue every Sunday from 5 to 9 a.m.

The draft ordinance is based on Section 21 of the Local Government Code that allows local government units to permanently or temporarily close roads, he noted.

Lacuna assured the public the closure of Roxas Boulevard would not cause road congestion on a Sunday, since fewer vehicles are traveling.

He noted the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau would be able to implement the road closure, which they also enforce during marathon and fun run events held in the city.

A car-free Roxas Boulevard would also become beneficial to people, as it would encourage them to perform physical activity, as well as spend time with family and friends, added Lacuna.

He noted the sidewalk of Roxas Boulevard has become narrower over the years because of installing fences.

Making Roxas Boulevard free from vehicles would also revive businesses, particularly those selling food and drinks, in the districts of Ermita and Malate with the presence of visitors, he also said.

The 5 to 9 a.m. timeframe would also include a cleanup by city government personnel as soon as decrease of people is seen along Roxas Boulevard.

Representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways did not object the proposal, he added.

During a session of the city council last May 2, 13 out of the 22 councilors present approved on second reading Lacuna’s draft ordinance. It was also approved on third and final reading without any objection.

It will await the signature of Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan before it will be enforced.